Barça! If Barcelona hasn’t made it onto your travel checklist for 2017, don’t fret there’s still time to add it to the top of your list. This city has a culinary dedication to fresh ingredients, vibrant spices and sauces, and a respect for the entire experience that is sitting down to a table (or in some cases standing up) with those you love. I have always been an “appetizer person” aka I prefer to order a few small dishes over a traditional meal. So when I went to Quimet and Quimet, I was taken with all the delicious variety.

The Scene

I invite you to enter the lively world of Quimet and Quimet. This local neighborhood spot is tucked away on a quiet side street in El Pole-Sec, and at 11:30 AM it is already overflowing with patrons. Walls lined with wine bottles of all varieties greeted us along with Beatles tunes. A shiny silver counter filled with an assortment of vibrant ingredients drew us in. In addition to the silver counter that lines the establishment, there are adorable bar tables made from recycled kegs, perfect for crowding around with friends. The real excitement comes from the two smiling faces behind the counter, who are multitasking like nobody’s business- taking orders, pouring wine, whipping up bite sized delights … all while chitchatting with regulars sitting at the bar.

The Food

Initially I was a bit overwhelmed by all of the menu options, but with a little assistance from the friendly gentleman behind the counter I was able to nail down the following assortment of Montaditos (small sandwiches):

Prawns, Red Pepper, Cream, Caviar

Brie, Roasted Tomato, Anchovy, Olive Spread

Salmon, Yogurt, Truffled Honey

Goat Cheese, Sundried Tomato, Caramelized Onions

The foundation for each Montadito is a round crunchy biscuit, the perfect vessel for transporting all the toppings to your mouth, silverware free. I’m a huge fan of bagels and lox, so I had to start off with the Salmon Montadito.  The saltiness from the smoked salmon paired with the sweetness of the truffled honey is a match made in heaven. My other top pick from Quimet and Quimet was the Brie and Anchovy Montadito. It arrived topped with roasted tomato, an olive spread, and a drizzle of Spanish olive oil. If the idea of anchovies makes you a little nervous, don’t shy away; these ones are mild and not overly salty.

The Verdict

Quimet and Quimet has pairings down to a science. Whether you’re craving something acidic, or something rich, you’re going to leave happy thanks to their smart combinations. What sets these bites apart from others is the time that they put into preparing the ingredients individually. Hats off to you Quimet and Quimet, you have found a way to leave a lasting impression in under 3 bites, and I will definitely be back for more!  

Quimet and Quimet, Carrer del Poeta, Cabanyes, 25, 08004, Barcelona, Spain, Website 

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The Scene:  As I walked by the gorgeous vertical planters (a design aspect I’m fascinated with), I was immediately taken by the modern simplicity of the restaurant with its open kitchen, dark woods, and ample dining area.  November weather in Miami is just right for outdoor dining, so we had lunch outdoors at their ample patio.  The outdoor dining area was filled with Brickell and Key Biscayne movers and shakers having their power lunch.  Despite the execs running around, scent of the sea, sunny skies, and colorful dishes give the restaurant a very relaxed vibe, ideal for a friendly catch-up session with a good friend.

The Food: My friend chose the prix fixe menu which started with a dish of three miniature samplings of classics such as causa and ceviche, followed by a lomo saltado (a traditional Peruvian dish with beef and potatoes), and ended with mascarpone ice cream.  All the dishes arrived promptly and were beautifully presented.

Given that there’s no Gaston Acurio restaurant in DC, I decided to order the regular menu and indulge in some of my favorites: causa and ceviche. My causa (a Peruvian dish of stuffed mashed potato) was plated on an adorable small wooden boat with its colorful toppings of beets, octopus, and tuna tartare.  Almost too pretty to eat!  Not to miss: the ceviche.  Ceviche has become a trendy dish of late, however, many miss the mark when it comes to the balance of the citrus with the fish.  I must say that the ceviche at La Mar struck that balance exquisitely.

The Service:  One of the things I love about Miami is the Latin warmth I encounter in many of the establishments of the city.  You can see this with the staff at La Mar Restaurant as well with their smiles and attentiveness.  Our server knew the menu by heart and took the time to explain to my friend some of the dishes she wasn’t familiar with.  I not only saw this attention to detail with our table but with those around us, especially a table of indecisive businessmen.

The verdict:  Lunch at La Mar Restaurant is a must add to your Miami itinerary.  I have been a fan of Gaston Acurio, the man behind La Mar, since I dined at Astrid y Gaston in Santiago, Chile four years ago.  That memorable dinner ingrained in me a love affair with Peruvian food and this experience continues to reaffirm it. Hopefully the next time I get to dine at his restaurant in Lima!

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Location:  One of the things that makes Shake Shack Union Station unique is that it is one of the few locations that offers breakfast.  When the powers to be decided to open up shop at Union Station they wanted to cater to the traveling crowd.  That being said, it opens at 7am and it offers breakfast until 10:30am.  No more hangry train/bus trips to New York City!  Just as any Shake Shack it is always packed!  Don’t let the long line scare you!  It moves pretty fast!

Food:  Although I’ve eaten plenty of times at Shake Shack, it was my first time trying the breakfast menu. I had the sausage egg, and cheese sandwich.  They use the same buns as the burgers, sausage is juicy, and the cheese is perfectly melted. Delicious.  The restaurant serves hot coffee but also serves Stumptown Cold Brew.  This cute little carton reminiscent of a chocolate milk carton but it is a delicious cafe au lait. A must try…

The verdict: I know I am preaching to the choir here… but if you haven’t tried breakfast at Shake Shack Union Station, book that Amtrak or Bolt to NYC as an excuse to indulge.  What is your favorite travel eats place?  I’m excited to see what other goodies I can find in airports, hotels, and train stations around the world!

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